Bourbon From Europe

[pepcycle]

If you had your choice of any Europe-Only available product what would you choose?
Strictly Hypothetical. Like, If someone were coming from Germany and offered to bring a few bottles for exchange.

[jeff]

Maker's Mark Black label, 95 proof, because it's the only other form of Maker's Mark available. I have one, but I haven't opened it. Koji brought one to the Festival 2 years ago and I got a taste and I thought it was pretty good at that proof. Seemed a little rounder and more full-bodied.

*edit* This may only be available in Japan though

[rob]

Maker's Mark Black label, 95 proof, because it's the only other form of Maker's Mark available. I have one, but I haven't opened it. Koji brought one to the Festival 2 years ago and I got a taste and I thought it was pretty good at that proof. Seemed a little rounder and more full-bodied.

*edit* This may only be available in Japan though

The Black is meant for the Japanese market, true. But in Europe we can get the Gold Seal/Label, too. They are very pricey though. Case in point, I managed to get my hands on a bottle of I.W Harper 12 Yrs destined for Japan. Kind of cool, I have no idea what the back label says though...

[chasking]

Four Roses.

Bulleit is one of my favorites, and I haven't seen the single barrel special edition anywhere. I'd love to have access to the regular Four Roses bottling. I suspect it would become a regular pour.

[TNbourbon]

The WhiskyExchange has the Van Winkle Family Reserve 1985 (non-chill-filtered) rye, and the Vintage Bourbons from 1976, '80 and '83 by Even Kulsveen -- any of which would interest me for their under-$75 price tags.

[Dave_in_Canada]

I can buy Four Roses at the American border going INTO the U.S. It's the only time I've ever seen it for sale in a duty free. 1L for around $20. Good value.

[CrispyCritter]

But in Europe we can get the [Maker's Mark] Gold Seal/Label, too. They are very pricey though.

I'll have to check the price on it next time I'm over there, but I've seen the Maker's Mark Gold in a nearby Binny's. It's not on their website, though. How is it, compared to their regular offering, or, for that matter, one of the Van Winkle wheaters?

Binny's seems to have enough clout to get unusual bottlings and hand-picked casks from all sorts of places...

[rob]

Can't help you with tasting notes I'm afraid, but from what I've heard from the few people around Europe I know who appreciate bourbon, MM in particular, say that the Black seal is extraordinary and the Gold is not far behind. Perhaps you can get a miniature of it first? If it's as expensive as in Germany (where prices are normally really affordable), that's what I'd go for.

/Robert

[gr8erdane]

After checking the Whiskey Exchange, Tim and I as usual pretty much agree on his choices but I'd have to add Blanton's Straight from the Cask, Four Roses Black Label, and IW Harper President's Reserve.

[Hedmans Brorsa]

The WhiskyExchange has the Van Winkle Family Reserve 1985 (non-chill-filtered) rye,

This is definitely THE one to get. I will make sure that I can lay my hands on at least one bottle before it vanishes completely.

Recently introduced is a 14yo Eagle Rare, which I suspect is for the French market only. I have been eyeing this a lot - I think it is made for La Maison du Whisky which should make it synonomous with high quality.

Overall, the strength of Europe, in my view is the plethora of specialist shops which seem to be willing to stock "odd" items and, not the least, embrace the concept of mail order. Doesn´t seem to be as common in the US - all due to legal reasons, possibly.